Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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02-13-18 | LSU +7.5 v. Alabama | 65-80 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 47 m | Show | |
LSU is coming on winning two of its last three, including an impressive 82-66 victory against Mississippi this past Saturday. |
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02-13-18 | Hawks +7.5 v. Bucks | 92-97 | Win | 100 | 3 h 28 m | Show | |
Atlanta is in an ambush spot catching the Bucks in their first home game since returning from a four-game road trip. The Bucks are 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games and minus key contributors Malcolm Brogdon and John Henson. The Hawks are below-the-radar going a much more respectable 8-9 during their last 17 games. Both teams average the same amount of points per game at 104. The Hawks have a good history, too, in Milwaukee covering in eight of their last nine visits. |
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02-13-18 | Heat +7.5 v. Raptors | Top | 112-115 | Win | 100 | 15 h 49 m | Show |
Toronto has been a play-on team especially at home. Toronto has the best record in the Eastern Conference and the No. 1 home record in the NBA. The Raptors have won five in a row with their average winning margin being 21 points during this span. So why buck the Raptors? Spot, line value and Miami's track record in these instances. While the Raptors were destroying the Hornets at Charlotte on Sunday in their last game, the Heat were resting. Miami last played on Friday. You know that with the Heat you're going to get good coaching and game preparation from Erik Spoelstra, a top-seven defense, strong team effort and solid bench play enhanced with the addition of Dwayne Wade. The Raptors have lost only four home games, but one of them was to the Heat. Miami has a winning road mark, own a 15-7-1 ATS record the past 23 times playing Eastern Conference foes and have covered in five of its last six away games. The Heat also are 22-7 ATS during their past 29 road games versus foes with a winning home record. I want all this going for me. I like the spot, too, I perceive the Raptors being a little fat and happy while the fully rested Heat should be in line for a strong performance. This isn't by any means a fade on the Raptors. It's a play on the Heat with what I believe is enough line value to get involved.
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02-13-18 | Lightning v. Sabres OVER 5.5 | 3-5 | Win | 100 | 6 h 16 m | Show | |
Tampa Bay leads the NHL in goals scored per game and also has the second-best power play in the league. The Lightning draw one of the weaker goalies in the league, Chad Johnson. The Sabres have picked up their attack scoring 15 goals in their last four games. They catch a break in that Tampa Bay will go with backup goalie Louis Dominque instead of Andrei Vasilevskiy. There may not be a great difference from first-string to second-string goalie in the entire league.
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02-13-18 | Maryland v. Nebraska -112 | 66-70 | Win | 100 | 7 h 32 m | Show | |
Nebraska doesn't receive any respect in the marketplace or from the oddsmaker. All the Cornhuskers do is cover spreads, though. The Cornhuskers are a mind-boggling 15-1 ATS in their last 16 lined games. |
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02-12-18 | Knicks +12 v. 76ers | Top | 92-108 | Loss | -103 | 16 h 45 m | Show |
The Knicks aren't just tough to back on the road, but anywhere these days riding a six-game losing streak with only one cover during this span. But there's enough line value to get behind New York in this division matchup. Philadelphia has opened its five-game homestand with three straight wins and covers. The 76ers finish their homestand against Miami on Wednesday. The 76ers have become a playoff team because of the tremendous talent of youngsters Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. But Philadelphia doesn't have the maturity and that much talent to cover double-digit spreads without playing very well. This is a flat spot for the 76ers. Philadelphia has already dropped games to bottom-feeders, including the Kings twice, Nets, Suns, Grizzlies and Lakers. New York lost its best player, Kristaps Porzingis, for the season to a torn ACL. So the Knicks are in rebuild mode, which means minutes for hungry youngsters looking to make their mark such as their point guards, rookie Frank Nitlikina and newly acquired Emmanuel Mudiay, who was impressive in his Knicks debut Sunday in a 121-113 loss to Indiana. Fatigue shouldn't factor for the Knicks since they were idle Friday and Saturday. Michael Beasley has fulfilled Porzingis' role by averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds in two games replacing him. Beasley actually has played well during the entire season and now his role is greatly enhanced. Enes Kanter is having a big year and Tim Hardaway Jr. is healthy and underrated. The Knicks are a level higher than the NBA's worst dregs. They also have covered 11 of their last 16 games at Philadelphia. There's always the possibility of the 76ers resting the fragile Embiid. This will be the 76ers' third game in four days. Embiid hurt his knee in the 76ers' 112-98 win against the Clippers Saturday sitting out several minutes. He did return to the game. But the 76ers may choose to be careful with their franchise center in what appears to be an easy game for them especially with a tougher matchup on deck. The 76ers have a losing record when Embiid hasn't played.
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02-12-18 | Lightning +111 v. Maple Leafs | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 38 m | Show | |
The Maple Leafs are playing well, but anytime I can get a plus price with Tampa Bay I'm inclined to take it. Such is the case here. Toronto is 8-2 in its last 10 games. Tampa Bay, though, is 7-3 in its last 10 and owns the best record in the NHL. The Lightning are 19-9-2 on the road this season and have won in five of their last six visits to Toronto. The Lightning have the superior offense - ranking No. 1 in the league in goals scored - and defense along with a far better goalie. Tampa Bay won the lone meeting between the two teams this season, 2-0, last month. That game was in Toronto, too.
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02-12-18 | Notre Dame +10.5 v. North Carolina | 66-83 | Loss | -106 | 5 h 34 m | Show | |
This is too many points for North Carolina to be laying carrying a high fatigue rating and in a letdown spot. The Tar Heels are in letdown mode after posting victories on Thursday against Duke and North Carolina State on Saturday. |
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02-11-18 | Flames v. Islanders OVER 6 | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 32 m | Show | |
Only once in their last seven games, have the Flames scored fewer than three goals per game. Their offense should be good for at least three goals going against an Islanders defense that is the worst in the league and has porous goaltending, too. Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak is allowing an average of four goals per game during his last three games. The Islanders are the No. 3 scoring team in the NHL. Their power play unit has been clicking lately, which is bad news for the Flames, who have had trouble killing of penalties. New York has been a great Over team at home going 20-7-1 above the total in its last 28 home contests.
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02-11-18 | Mavs +15.5 v. Rockets | 97-104 | Win | 100 | 6 h 4 m | Show | |
I wasn't looking to step in front of the Rockets, winners of seven in a row, including burying the Nuggets, 130-104, this past Friday. Dallas isn't going to have Dirk Nowitzki, Wesley Matthews and backup point guard J.J. Barea for this matchup. The oddsmaker is begging to get money on the Mavericks and the marketplace has made Dallas even more inviting by betting the Rockets up. So I'll oblige by firing on Dallas at what I believe is an inflated number. Only once in their last 27 games have the Mavericks lost by more than 15 points. The teams last met on Jan. 24. The Mavericks were 6 1/2-point home 'dogs and lost 104-97. The Mavericks are 7-2 ATS in their last nine road games against opponents with a winning home mark. Dallas also has covered in eight of its last 11 away matchups. The Mavericks had their best offensive showing of the season in beating the Lakers, 130-123, at home against the Lakers last night. So they should enter this division game with confidence. Not having Matthews is tough. He may be the Mavericks' best overall player, but Nowitzki isn't worth anything on the line being far over-the-hill. The Mavericks have some underrated talent with Dennis Smith Jr., Harrison Barnes, Yogi Ferrell, Dwight Powell and newly acquired Doug McDermott. Of course these players can't compare to the Rockets' loaded lineup headed by superstars James Harden and Chris Paul. But the Dallas youngsters should be counted on to play big minutes - and to play hard. Houston doesn't have any special incentive or motivation for this game. The Rockets, in fact, should use this game to cut back the overextended minutes of their star players since this is their fourth game in six days and they have a much more challenging game on deck when they play the Timberwolves on the road Tuesday. The Rockets have failed to cover in five of their last six home games versus foes with a losing road record.
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02-11-18 | Raptors -3 v. Hornets | Top | 123-103 | Win | 100 | 6 h 57 m | Show |
Normally an early start time would be bad for the road team. But the visiting Raptors have been idle since Thursday while the Hornets just flew back into Charlotte early Saturday following a four-game West Coast swing that conluded Friday night when the obviously tired Hornets could manage only 17 points in the fourth quarter against the Jazz in a 106-94 loss. Toronto has the best record in the Easterm Conference. Charlotte is 23-32 and playing for the third time in four days. It's doubtful the Hornets make the playoffs. The Raptors have dominated weaker competition losing just three times all season to below .500 opponents. Toronto has matched up well, too, to Charlotte going 2-0 this season winning by 13 and 18 points, respectively.
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02-10-18 | Wizards -5 v. Bulls | Top | 101-90 | Win | 100 | 16 h 12 m | Show |
The Bulls are 2-7 since losing point guard Kris Dunn to a concussion. One of those victories occurred last night when the emotional Bulls hosted their former star, Jimmy Butler, and former coach, Tom Thibodeau. Chicago upset Minnesota, 114-113, as 7 1/2-point home 'dogs coming back from 17 points down. I don't see the Bulls being able to repeat that emtional type of performance a second straight day. Chicago is 1-7 when playing in the second of back-to-back games. Not only will the Bulls be missing Dunn again, but also shooting guard Zach LaVine, who is averaging 26.5 points in his last four games after missing 42 games due to an ACL injury. So the Bulls are going to be missing their two most talented players. Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said he didn't want to play LaVine in this back-to-back spot so soon after his injury. The Wizards are vastly superior to Chicago missing those two players even though they remain without John Wall. The Wizards are 5-2 minus Wall during the past seven games, but those defeats have come in their last two games. They were against the 76ers on the road when they were playing without rest and to the Celtics two days ago in overtime. Washington hasn't lost three in a row all season. The Bulls have lost four in a row to Washington and are 3-10 ATS the past 13 times hosting the Wizards.
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02-10-18 | Wyoming +6.5 v. UNLV | 70-85 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 10 m | Show | |
I don't trust the Rebels, nor their coach, Marvin Menzies, to cover this number in a letdown spot. UNLV is off a huge and highly-satisfying 86-78 road victory against arch-rival Nevada-Reno this past Wednesday. UNLV is 1-8 ATS following a victory. Now the Rebels take on a hot Wyoming team that has won five of its last six. The Cowboys' latest victory was 83-65 against Utah State, a team that beat the Rebels 85-78 last month.
Wyoming has covered 20 of the past 28 times when going against an opponent with a winning record. UNLV has failed to cover in six of its last seven home contests, |
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02-10-18 | George Washington v. George Mason OVER 140 | 65-72 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 55 m | Show | |
George Washington has played three straight Over the totals game. Look for that trend to continue as the Colonials aren't that strong defensively, but have picked up their tempo offensively. George Mason is weaker defeinsvely than George Washington. The Patriots have gone Over in seven of their last eight games. These teams hit 148 in their first meeting won by George Washington, 80-68.
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02-10-18 | Louisiana-Monroe v. Georgia State -12.5 | 90-82 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 20 m | Show | |
I see this as a kill spot for Georgia State, which has won 10 in a row with its last three victories coming by a combined 55 points. There is little chance of Georgia State taking Monroe lightly after the Warhawks upset Georgia Southern, 66-64 in overtime, as 10-point road 'dogs this past Thursday. |
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02-10-18 | Oklahoma v. Iowa State +6.5 | 80-88 | Win | 100 | 2 h 5 m | Show | |
There is enough value to make a play on Iowa State. The Cyclones can take advantage of Oklahoma;s defense to make this game close if not pull the outright upset. The Sooners have allowed 79 points or more in seven of their last eight games. Oklahoma also has failed to cove in its last five road contests. |
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02-09-18 | Oilers +125 v. Ducks | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 35 m | Show | |
The Oilers have revenge, a hot Connor McDavid and catch the Ducks playing for the first time at home in February following a five-game East Coast trip that concluded Tuesday night with a win against the Sabres. The Ducks nipped the Oilers, 2-1 in a shootout at Edmonton on Jan. 4. The Oilers have been playing better winning five of their last eight games. McDavid has scored seven goals in his last three games. |
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02-09-18 | Hornets v. Jazz -5.5 | Top | 94-106 | Win | 100 | 17 h 46 m | Show |
Jazz minus 5 1/2 hosting Hornets You may be surprised to know that Utah owns the longest active win streak in the NBA right now with seven consecutive victories. Expect the streak to reach eight after this game. The red-hot Jazz draw Charlotte in a vulnerable spot carrying a high fatigue rating. The Hornets are playing in their fourth road game in six days while coming off a tough overtime loss last night to Portland. Charlotte last won at Utah in 2006 having lost 10 road games in a row to the Jazz. Utah has added motivaiton for a 99-88 road loss to the Hornets last month. The Jazz are playing their best ball and can make a serious move in the West with eight of their next 10 games at home. Ricky Rubio has spurred the Jazz. He played well during the second half of last season and he's continued that pattern averaging 22.1 points, 7.7 assists and shooting 53.8 percent from the floor in the last seven games. The Jazz traded Rodney Hood for Jae Crowder on Thursday. Hood is the better offensive player, but this was a good trade for Utah. Crowder is the better all-around player and fills a greater need at small forward than Hood does at shooting guard where his minutes were limited with the rise of rookie Donovan Mitchell.Crowder is expected to play against the Hornets. |
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02-09-18 | Pacers +4 v. Celtics | 97-91 | Win | 100 | 15 h 18 m | Show | |
When the Pacers have Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner both healthy, which is the case here, they can be dangerous. Given this situation, Indiana is in a great ambush spot. The Pacers last played on Monday. Their game on Wednesday against the Pelicans was postponsed because of a wet floor. Indiana hasn't forgotten its last game against Boston. That occurred on Dec. 18 at home when the Celtics pulled off a one-point win when Terry Rozier stole the ball and scored a winning layup with 1.2 seconds left. It probably was the Pacers' toughest loss of the season. Oladipo, who leads the Pacers in scoring at 24 points per game, did not play in that game. Indiana is 6-2 in its last eight games that Oladipo has played in. While the Pacers should have plenty of energy and motivation, the Celtics drag themselves to Boston after nipping the Wizards in overtime at Washington Thursday night. This will mark the Celtics' third game in four days and fourth in six days. The Celtics might get caught looking ahead, too, to hosting the Cavaliers on national television Sunday. That's the game where the Celtics will retire Paul Pierce's No. 34 in a special ceremony.
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02-09-18 | Pelicans v. 76ers UNDER 220 | 82-100 | Win | 100 | 6 h 7 m | Show | |
The 76ers have been playing good defense surrendering fewer than 100 points per game during their last three games. They've been last in terms of tempo during their past 10 games. There's a chance Philadelphia could be without star center Joel Embiid, too. He's questionable with an ankle injury. He leads the 76ers in scoring at 23.7 points a game. The Pelicans are down DeMarcus Cousins and haven't played since Monday because their Wednesday game against the Pacers was postponed due to a leaky roof. So there could be a rust factor. The extra time also enabled the Pelcians and their new addition, Nikola Mirotic, to work on defense and game plan for this matchup.
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02-09-18 | Davidson +6.5 v. Rhode Island | 59-72 | Loss | -108 | 5 h 10 m | Show | |
Rhode Island is fat, happy and rusty having won 14 in a row but not having played for a week. I see the Rams having problems with Davidson, which is off three straight blowout victories. The Wildcats are road-proven having beaten Fordham, George Mason and Charlotte while losing by one point to Dayton. The Wildcats certainly won't lack for motivation after Rhoe Island ended their season in the Atlantic-10 Conference Tournament last season. Davidson is 7-1-1 ATS in its last nine conference games. |
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02-09-18 | Davidson v. Rhode Island UNDER 144.5 | 59-72 | Win | 100 | 5 h 8 m | Show | |
Davidson has switched its primary defense playing more zone. It has paid off as the Wildcats have held nine of their last 10 foes to 70 or fewer points. The Wildcats have moved up to No. 2 in defensive efficiency in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The No. 1 team in the conference in terms of defensive efficiency? It's Rhode Island. The Rams figure to be rusty, too, having not played in a week. So look for points to be harder to come by than the oddsmaker believes. |
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02-08-18 | Golden Knights v. Sharks +100 | 5-3 | Loss | -100 | 22 h 23 m | Show | |
The Golden Knights have been the story of the year this season in the NHL. But regression is starting to kick in and the Golden Knights carry a heavy fatigue rating here. Las Vegas is 3-3 in its last six games with two of its wins during this span coming by one goal, including one in overtime. The Golden Knights just played a physical and emotional game at Pittsburgh on Tuesday with goalie Marc-Andre Fleury facing his old team. The Golden Knights lost that one, 5-4. San Jose has the defense and goaltending to frustrate Las Vegas. The Sharks also have revenge for a 5-4 road overtime loss to Las Vegas from November.
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02-08-18 | Washington v. Oregon UNDER 146 | 40-65 | Win | 100 | 12 h 56 m | Show | |
Not only does Washington have the No. 1 ranked defense in the Pac-12, but the Huskies also are top-ranked in the conference in 3-point defense. Oregon has slowed down its tempo, but still shoots a lot from beyond the arc. The Under has cashed an unbelievable 22 times in Washington's last 26 Pac-12 games. The Under also has cashed in 18 of the Huskies' past 22 road contests. Oregon has gone Under in seven of its last 10 games. |
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02-08-18 | Celtics +2 v. Wizards | Top | 110-104 | Win | 100 | 17 h 36 m | Show |
Washington isn't a better team than Boston especially minus John Wall. The Celtics have covered 64 percent of their road games. If you think that is impressive try this: Boston is an amazing 10-1 (91 percent) as an underdog this season. The Celtics will look to redeem themselves after an embarrassing 20-point loss to Toronto this past Tuesday. The good news for the Celtics is that Kyrie Irving returned from injury and Terry Rozier continued to play at a high level. The Wizards had won five in a row before running out of gas in a 115-102 road loss to the 76ers on Tuesday. The fatigue factor is still there for the Wizards as this is their third game in four days and fourth in six days. Brad Stevens is the sharpest coach in the Eastern Conference. He'll have a good game plan to adjust to the Wizards' fill-in point guards. The Celtics rank either first or second in the major defensive categories. They surrender seven points per game than the Wizards.
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02-08-18 | Duke -112 v. North Carolina | Top | 78-82 | Loss | -112 | 11 h 46 m | Show |
Duke may have got caught peeking ahead to this game after losing 81-77 to St. John's in its last game this past Saturday. Expect the Blue Devils to be fully focused. They also are the better team. Duke has covered the past four times following a loss. The Blue Devils have defeated the Tar Heels in six of the last eight meetings. The Blue Devils certainly are road tested going 10-3-1 ATS during their past 14 road outings. Duke is 4-1, too, versus ranked teams this season. Duke leads the nation in scoring averaging nearly 90 points a game. North Carolina is 1-3 in its last four games giving up more than 80 points in each of its losses during this span. Duke can hurt the Tar Heels from long-distance as North Carolina ranks 324th in 3-point defense.
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02-08-18 | Canucks v. Lightning -1.5 | 2-5 | Win | 120 | 19 h 24 m | Show | |
Following a bad 6-2 road loss to the Oilers this past Monday, I have to believe the Lightning will be motivated to bury Vancouver. So does the oddsmaker making Tampa Bay such a heavy favorite. So the way to attack this game is on the puck line laying 1 1/2 goals and getting back a plus price. Tampa Bay is 21-7 in its last 28 home games. Vancouver is a bad road team. The Lightning have the best record in the NHL, but are only one point ahead of Boston. So they can't afford to take Vancouver lightly. They shouldn't either having lost the past two times hosting the Canucks.
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02-08-18 | Knicks v. Raptors UNDER 211.5 | 88-113 | Win | 100 | 8 h 7 m | Show | |
Early money has come on the Over in this matchup and I disagree with the line move. The Knicks are not a good road team - they've scored 90 and 73 points in their last two away matchups - and now don't have injured Kristaps Porzingis. The Knicks score 3.4 points fewer per 100 possessions without their scoring star. Toronto is a top-10 defensive club that plays its best defense at home ranking in the top-five in points per 100 possessions. The Knicks lack the scoring and penetrating point guards to dent Toronto's defense. The oddsmakers are calling for a blowout here. If that occurs, the Raptors would be able to rest DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowery, their two best offensive players.
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02-08-18 | Flames v. Devils OVER 5.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -105 | 19 h 60 m | Show | |
Calgary has scored three or more goals in 11 of its last 15 games. The Flames take on the Devils, who have a below average defense and above average offense. The Devils have a real problem in net with Cory Schneider injured and Keith Kinkaid not playing well. Things have become desperate enough where former Calgary goalie Eddie Lack was signed and could be in net here. That would be another plus for the Over. I like the Devils' offense much more when Taylor Hall is healthy. Hall is back in top form with 16 points in his last 11 games, including seven goals. New Jersey has scored at least three goals in each of its last four games.
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02-07-18 | UNLV +9.5 v. Nevada | 86-78 | Win | 100 | 15 h 26 m | Show | |
UNR has the best frontcourt in the Mountain West Conference with Jordan Caroline and twins Caleb and Cody Martin. But UNLV can counter that with 7-foot-1 Brandon McCoy, who is five inches taller than Caroline. McCoy is backed by Shakur Juiston, another good frontcourt player. The Wolf Pack haven't faced a big man as talened as McCoy this season. The Rebels have double revenge, which means a lot in this bitter intrastate rivalry. The Rebels are capable of posting big wins such as defeating Utah by 27 points. They have been at their point spread best as underdogs taking Northern Iowa, Arizona and Boise State to overtime all as a 'dog. The Rebels have the offense - ranking in the top eight in scoring and shooting percentage - along with the athleticism and talent to hang in against the Wolf Pack.
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02-07-18 | CS-Northridge v. Cal-Irvine UNDER 131.5 | Top | 56-77 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 15 m | Show |
Cal State Northridge is a huge Under team. The Matadors are 16-4-1 to the Under in their last 21 games, including 7-0 to the under in their last seven Big West Conference games. |
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02-07-18 | Nets +9.5 v. Pistons | Top | 106-115 | Win | 100 | 17 h 56 m | Show |
Brooklyn has some below-the-radar talented players. But the oddsmaker never gives the Nets much respect. Brooklyn is 19-36. Spread-wise, though, the Nets have the second-best ATS mark in the NBA. Brooklyn is at its point spead best, too, on the road where it constantly gets undervalued. The Nets have covered 62 percent of their away matchups this season. The Pistons are playing their best ball winning four in a row. They will have the two best players on the court in Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. Brooklyn, however, has some emerging young talent with D'Angelo Russell back healthy, breakout-guard Spencer Dinwiddie, emerging rookie Jarrett Allen and intriguing Jalil Okafor. It's a bonus if Rondae Hollis-Jefferson can suit up having missed the past six games with a groin injury. The Pistons are at their worst when laying big points going 2-8 ATS the past 10 times as chalk of four or more points. Detroit also is 1-10-1 ATS at home versus opponents with a winning percentage of less than .400. It's going to be easy for the Pistons to overlook the Nets especially with the Clippers on tap. Detroit hosts LA on Friday. Normally that would be a ho-hum nonconference matchup, but it has turned into a grudge game following the Clippers trading Griffin to the Pistons for Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley.
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02-06-18 | Thunder v. Warriors -10 | Top | 125-105 | Loss | -102 | 21 h 10 m | Show |
Darn this spread is high. But I want the Warriors going for me here being rested in a huge revenge spot and drawing the Thunder at low ebb. Oklahoma City embarrassed Golden State, 108-91, at home on Nov. 23. The Warriors don't get embarrassed too often. That also was the only time during the past eight meetings the Thunder have covered against the Warriors. The Warriors should be fresh being idle for two days. The Thunder, by contrast, will be playing for the fourth time in six days. They are 1-4 since losing underrated Andre Roberson, their best defender, for the season because of a knee injury. This is a big number to lay. Understand. But the Warriors have the offense to overcome it ranking No. 1 in the major scoring categories, including points, shooting percentage, free throw percentage and 3-point percentage. The Thunder have allowed each of their last three opponents to make at least 13 3-pointers. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant are all in line for big games.
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02-06-18 | Suns +8 v. Lakers | 93-112 | Loss | -108 | 7 h 12 m | Show | |
The Suns aren't going to have Devin Booker, who is their best player by far. But the Lakers are in a letdown spot and still will be minus Lonzo Ball. This is the Lakers' first home game since returning from a five-game road trip that concluded Sunday. They are coming off wins against the Nets and Thunder. The underdog and road team has covered the last four in the series. The Lakers lack the maturity to cover this big of a number in the letdown spot they are in. |
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02-06-18 | Missouri v. Ole Miss -120 | 75-69 | Loss | -120 | 8 h 43 m | Show | |
Mississippi is in stop-the-pain mode having lost three in a row, including getting blown out by Tennessee in its last game. Missouri, on the other hand, is in a letdown spot after beating Kentucky for the first time this past Saturday. The Rebels figure to push pace, which is bad news for the depth-shy Tigers, who have only eight healthy players on scholarship. Mississippi has covered six of its last seven home games.
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02-06-18 | Nebraska +1.5 v. Minnesota | 91-85 | Win | 100 | 13 h 6 m | Show | |
Nebraska has covered in its last seven road games. Minnesota is having a disastrous season. |
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02-06-18 | Wizards +6 v. 76ers | 102-115 | Loss | -107 | 18 h 6 m | Show | |
The Wizards are 5-0 since losing John Wall to a knee injury. It's kind of ironic that Washington is playing its best ball since losing its best player. But the Wizards are doing a fantastic job of passing the ball recording 27 assists in each of their last five games, a franchise record. I prefer the 76ers taking points rather than laying. Philadelphia is 1-4 in its last five games. The 76ers have a lot of youthful talent that could be unfocused entering this matchup after all the celebrations going on in Philadelphia following the Eagles winning the Super Bowl.
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02-06-18 | Rockets v. Nets +10.5 | 123-113 | Win | 100 | 18 h 44 m | Show | |
There are two key handicapping factors when it comes to beating the NBA - sometimes going against logic and taking advantage of situations. Both apply here. The Rockets should bury the Nets - on paper. But this spot sets up well for Brooklyn. Houston goes from just having impressively beaten the Spurs and Cavaliers in nationally televised games to playing the 19-win Nets and their cast of no-names. The Rockets also have a much tougher game on deck when they play at the Heat on Wednesday. Before dispatching the Spurs and Cavaliers in double-digit style, the Rockets hosted the Suns and Magic. Those two teams have fewer victories than Brooklyn. The Rockets defeated the Suns by 11 and Magic by seven. Houston has covered only 32 percent of the time the past 29 times against sub .500 opponents. The Rockets also have failed to cover in five of their last six meetings versus the Nets. Brooklyn has been home for the last three games going 1-2. The Nets just lost 109-94 to the Bucks this past Sunday. Brooklyn coach Kenny Atkinson ripped his team after that loss. He's optimistic the Nets will play much better in this game. I am, too. The Nets have been huge money-makers as an underdog especially when catching four or more points going 21-11 (66 percent) in that role this season. The Rockets are talented enough, though, to cover a double-digit road spread here even if the Nets produce a strong effort. It's only fair to point that out. James Harden and Chris Paul can absolutely dominate. But if the Rockets do happen to build up a big lead, there would be no reason for Harden and Paul to play big minutes with a physical game in Miami looming Wednesday. So the backdoor should swing wide open if a garbage time scenario unfolds.
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02-06-18 | Golden Knights v. Penguins -124 | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 6 h 7 m | Show | |
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins are coming on winning nine of their last 12. The Penguins are in revenge mode for a 2-1 road loss to the upstart Golden Knights. Pittsburgh is playing much better now than they were back then. Evgeni Malkin is sizzling with 11 points in his last four games, including eight goals.
The Golden Knights are playing for the fourth time in six days and fifth time in seven days. They carry a high fatigue factor especially coming back to upset the Capitals on the road two nights ago. |
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02-05-18 | Mavs +7 v. Clippers | Top | 101-104 | Win | 100 | 12 h 33 m | Show |
Dennis Smith Jr. has started to live up to his strong rookie hype. The Mavericks have gone 13-4 ATS the past 17 times they've been 'dogs when Smith has been in the lineup. They have covered in seven of their past nine road contests and their confidence is up after ending a five-game losings skid with a victory against the Kings this past Saturday. I realize the Clippers are much better than the Kings. But Dallas gets up for this opponent still holding a justifiable grudge from when DeAndre Jordan said he was going to sign with the Mavericks as a free agent and then went back on his word returning to the Clippers. Dallas has won three of the last five in the series, including defeating the Clippers, 108-82, at home on Dec. 2. The Mavericks' bench is as good if not stronger than the Clippers' reserves bolstered by the return of sparkplug point guard J.J. Barera. He had missed three games until returning to dish off 11 assists in 24 minutes against Sacramento. |
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02-05-18 | Rangers v. Stars -1.5 | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 60 m | Show | |
The Rangers have lost five of their last six games and are sinking fast. All five of their losses during this span have been by more than one goal. New York is dealing with multiple injuries, too. Already down Chris Kreider, Pavel Buchnevich and Kevin Shattenkirk, the Rangers could be missing defensemen Jim Vesey and Marc Staal, who each left Saturday's 5-2 loss to Nashville with upper body injuries. New York has surrendered 24 goals in its last five games. Dallas has a strong home ice advantage. The Stars are 18-9 at home this season with five of their past six overall victories coming by two or more goals. Dallas is averaging five goals per game during its last two games. |
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02-05-18 | Siena +8 v. Fairfield | 65-78 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 57 m | Show | |
The premise here is simple: Fairfield isn't good enough to lay this many points in a conference matchup. Siena is the better defensive team. Siena has a good history at Fairfield going 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 visits. The Saints also are 8-2 ATS the past 10 times being on the road playing a foe with a winning home record.
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02-04-18 | Eagles v. Patriots -175 | Top | 41-33 | Loss | -175 | 122 h 56 m | Show |
Call it fate, destiny or whatever you like, but Bill Belichick and Tom Brady aren't losing to Nick Foles. I want the Patriots going for me here and the best way to do that is via the money line. There's actually value backing the Super Bowl favorite on the money line. Sports books get overwhelmed with money line wagers on the underdog so they lower the money line on the favorite. The Eagles are Super Bowl novices having last been in one in 2005. The Patriots are going for their third Super Bowl win in four years. The Eagles lack the dynamic offense to keep up with Brady with Carson Wentz out. It's not just Wentz. The Eagles are minus their best offensive lineman, injured left tackle Jason Peters, and also are without Darren Sproles. He was their most dangerous outside threat and top return man. Brady gets all the attention, but New England's defense yielded the fewest points in the NFL from Week 5. Philadelphia's defense is good, but its not dominant. Brady not only has excellent wide receiving targets, but he'll also have Rob Gronkowski back and the best set of pass-catching running backs he's ever had with Dion Lewis, James White and Rex Burkhead. Who's more likely to throw a TD pass, Brady or Foles? Who's more likely to throw an interception, Brady or Foles? We know the answer to those questions. The Patriots have won 91 percent of their last 174 games when having a positive turnover ratio. Super Bowl Props (courtesy of the Westgate) Will there be overtime? I'd play No at minus 800. There has been one overtime in the 51-year history of the Super Bowl - and it happened last year. It's a lot of money to lay out for a small profit, but the odds are overwhelming that it will be a long time before another overtime happens in the Super Bowl. Nick Foles Over/Under 33 1/2 pass attempts: Under. The Eagles' game plan is to run the ball and take the pressure off Foles. They don't want him to play gunslinger. There's always the possibility that Foles, who is not mobile, could get injured, too. Jay Ajayi Over/Under 14 1/2 rushing attempts: Over. Ajayi is the Eagles' best running back. He's going to get fed the ball here. The Eagles want to run and play keep away from Brady. That means a lot of carries for Ajayi. Will Ajayi Score a Touchdown in the First Half: Yes at plus $3.75. Philadelphia scored 62 percent of its points in the first half during its past two games thanks to excellent play-calling and preparation by Doug Pederson. Ajayi is a good choice to get a touchdown if the Eagles do score in the first half. Over/Under 4 1/2 total solo/assisted tackles by Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks: Over. The Eagles don't blitz their linebackers very often. Kendricks is an outstanding athlete who not only is good against the run, but also versus the pass. The Patriots throw a lot to their running backs, who will be covered by linebackers. Over/Under 2 on Patriots sacks: Over. Foles isn't mobile. He's also a veteran who isn't going to do something crazy when pressured. He'll take a sack if he has to. If the Eagles are playing from behind - which I anticipate - than the Patriots' sack chances increase even more.
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02-04-18 | Tulsa v. South Florida +7.5 | 63-54 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 49 m | Show | |
Tulsa isn't very good on the road and is in a letdown spot. The Golden Hurricane have won only two true away games all season. They have dropped their last four road contests and failed to cover in 11 of their last 16 away matchups. Tulsa very well could overlook South Florida, too. The Golden Hurricane are coming off a huge 76-67 home upset victory against SMU. South Florida has begun to play better. The Bulls upset Tulane three games ago so they are capable.
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02-04-18 | Golden Knights v. Capitals -110 | 4-3 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 19 m | Show | |
Washington is strong at home winning 42 of its last 57 at Capital One Arena, including going 19-7-1 this season. The Golden Knights are playing their fourth of six consecutive road games. This marks their third game in four days and fourth in six days. The Golden Knights may have played their worst game of the season two days ago losing 5-2 to the Wild. Las Vegas coach Gerard Gallant said his team looked tired for the first time this year. The Golden Knights are not going to be helped by a very early start as this is a day game. The Capitals have scored 13 goals in their last three games. Alex Ovechkin is hot again with 10 points in his last seven games, including five goals.
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02-04-18 | Golden Knights v. Capitals OVER 5.5 | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 8 h 18 m | Show | |
The Golden Knights are the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. They should come out with more energy even though this is an early start time after sleepwalking through a 5-2 loss to Minnesota this past Friday. Washington has allowed three or more goals in eight of its last 11 games. The Capitals are hot offensively, though, ringing up 13 goals in their past three games.
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02-04-18 | Bucks v. Nets UNDER 209 | 109-94 | Win | 100 | 7 h 34 m | Show | |
Perception-wise this total looks about right. But reality-wise, it is not. The Bucks are playing much stronger defense since sacking Jason Kidd. Milwaukee is giving up an average of 97.5 points on 44 percent shooting from the floor in its first six games under interim coach Joe Prunty. During Kidd's last 11 games, the Bucks yielded 107.9 points a game on 49.4 percent shooting. Jabari Parker will be playing in his second game of the season after returning from ACL surgery. He is rusty. The Bucks are without underrated scorer Malcolm Brogdon. The Nets aren't the up-tempo they were earlier in the season. They have become more half-court with more looks inside to emerging center Jarrett Allen. During their last eight games, the Nets have played at the fourth-slowest tempo in the league. They have failed to reach 100 points in four of their last five games.
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02-04-18 | Blazers v. Celtics -120 | 96-97 | Win | 100 | 7 h 33 m | Show | |
Portland had its four-game winning streak snapped by the Raptors on Friday night in a 130-105 stinging road defeat. Now, less than 48 hours later, the Trail Blazers are back in action for this early start. This marks their fourth game in six days all at different venues. Portland has lost five of its last seven away matchups. The Trail Blazers could be without their No. 3 guard, Shabazz Napier, due to a toe injury. Boston has won 20 of its 28 home games and is 15-11 ATS at home. It's a bonus for the Celtics if Kyrie Irving and newly-signed Greg Monroe are able to play. I'm not expecting that to happen, though. Terry Rozier has been brilliant filling in for Irving scoring 48 points, grabbing 18 rebounds, dishing off 12 assists and shooting 53 percent from the floor in the two games Irving has missed. The Celtics rank No. 2 defensively giving up 98.5 points a game. The Trail Blazers have surrendered 108 or more points in nine of their last 14 games.
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02-04-18 | Blazers v. Celtics OVER 201.5 | 96-97 | Loss | -106 | 7 h 32 m | Show | |
Portland has scored in triple-digits in each of its last 17 games. The Trail Blazers have one of the most explosive backcourts in the league with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, who is on fire with 71 points in his last two games. The Trail Blazers just gave up 19 3-pointers to the Raptors on Friday in a 130-105 loss. Boston ranks fourth in 3-point shots made per game. The Celtics aren't likely to have Kyrie Irving again, but Terry Rozier has been brilliant replacing him. The Trail Blazers' defense has slipped while their offense has picked up. Portland has yielded 110 or more points in 11 of its last 17 games.
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02-03-18 | Rockets v. Cavs +3.5 | 120-88 | Loss | -102 | 8 h 59 m | Show | |
Call it a hunch, but I believe the Cavaliers will show up hard today and protect their home floor against the Rockets. The Cavaliers just may be a better team minus Kevin Love. The Rockets are short-handed, too, with Eric Gordon out and Trevor Ariza questionable. LeBron James wants to prove that rumors of his going to the Warriors are pure speculation. His top priority is getting the Cavaliers straighten out. Cleveland has been a pure fade this season when laying points. But being a home 'dog in a game with much pride at stake is a different story.
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02-03-18 | Penguins v. Devils OVER 6 | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 39 m | Show | |
The Penguins are rolling offensively scoring 21 goals in their last four games. Evgen Malkin is blazing scoring seven goals in his last three games. Pittsburgh has scored 26 goals in its last five games against the Devils. There have been a total of 28 goals during the last three games between the two teams. The Devils are a better than average offensive team with Taylor Hall back in the lineup. Hall is hot, too, recording at least one point in each of his last nine games. Another bonus to going Over is the goalie situation. The Penguins are going with backup Casey DeSmith while the Devils continue to go with second-stringer Keith Kinkaid as Cory Schneider remains out with a groin injury. |
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02-03-18 | Bulls v. Clippers UNDER 222 | 103-113 | Win | 100 | 6 h 22 m | Show | |
Rust, new faces and an early start time all work in favor of Under the total in this matchup. Note this is an early West Coast starting time being a day game. There should be lots of defensive energy and potential rust on offense as the Clippers have been idle since Tuesday while the Bulls have been off the past two days. The extra time off should work in favor of the defense given additional practice and preparation. The Clippers already have been through 16 different lineups and that number is rising today as newly acquired Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley are expected to make their LA debuts here. There's going to be an adjustment period as the Clippers work these two in while no longer having the outstanding, consistent scoring of Blake Griffin. Bradley also is an ace defender. The Bulls are missing point guard Kris Dunn, who remains out with a concussion. Chicago is averaging 102 points in its last four games. The Bulls no longer have Nikola Mirotic, who was their leading scorer. He was traded to the Pelicans for a bunch of players who don't figure to make major offensive contributions.
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02-03-18 | Missouri State v. Loyola-Chicago UNDER 131.5 | 75-97 | Loss | -105 | 4 h 9 m | Show | |
Missouri State has gone Under in 10 of its last 12 games. The Under is 10-3-1 in Loyola's last 13 games. I see that trend continuing here as these are two defensive-minded teams who go at a slow pace. That was clear in the first meeting, which Missouri State won, 64-59, for a combined 123 points. Missouri State ranks 19th on defense while Loyola is even better ranking ninth in the country. |
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02-02-18 | Warriors -12.5 v. Kings | Top | 119-104 | Win | 100 | 13 h 18 m | Show |
I want the Warriors going for me here and I'm willing to lay the wood. Not only does Golden State have revenge for a 110-106 shocking home loss to the Kings from Nov. 27, but it is coming off an embarrassing 30-point road loss to the Jazz this past Tuesday. The Warriors have had two full days off to think about that horrific loss to Utah. Sacramento, meanwhile, is fat and happy having just concluded a six-game road trip with an upset victory against the Pelicans on Tuesday. The Kings haven't been home since Jan. 17, a span of more than two weeks. They have failed to cover in five of their past six home contests. Golden State hasn't lost two games in a row all season. The Warriors aren't going to lose here. The question is can they cover this high road number? They didn't have Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant when they lost to the Kings earlier. Now the Warriors have all their key players healthy. They should be highly motivated and playing one of the five worst teams in the league. So this sure spells blowout to me
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02-02-18 | Heat v. 76ers UNDER 202 | 97-103 | Win | 100 | 15 h 49 m | Show | |
Miami surrenders the third-fewest points per game in the NBA. The 76ers are an underrated defensive club raking in the top-five in defensive efficiency. The 76ers' defense will be made easier by the Heat's slow tempo. Miami rates 30th in offensive efficiency during the past 10 games. Miami has failed to break the 95-point barrier during its past five games.
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02-02-18 | Heat +4.5 v. 76ers | 97-103 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 4 m | Show | |
The Heat usually play better on weekends - 17-8 on Friday-through-Sunday games - and are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games. The 76ers are much better in an underdog role. The 76ers have talent, but are full of youth and inexperience. Already they have blown leads of 11 or more points eight times. This also is Philadelphia's first home game following a four-game road trip that ended Wednesday night. So concentration may be a problem. The Heat can neutralize Joel Embiid's impact with Hassan Whiteside, the top rim protector in the Eastern Conference. The Heat are well-coached, disciplined and have a deep bench. They make for a worthy underdog here.
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02-02-18 | Capitals v. Penguins OVER 5.5 | 4-7 | Win | 100 | 4 h 15 m | Show | |
The Capitals are back scoring putting up nine goals in their last two games. They've gone Over in their last four road contests. The Penguins have scored 14 goals in their last three games. They can take advantage of Braden Holtby, who is overrated in net when on the road.
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02-01-18 | San Francisco v. St. Mary's UNDER 140.5 | Top | 43-79 | Win | 100 | 18 h 16 m | Show |
St. Mary's beat San Francisco in its two meetings last season winning 66-46 at home for a total of 112 points and 63-52 on the road for a combined 115 points. Things shouldn't be any different in this matchup, certainly not to the extent of where this total opened.
San Francisco ranks 74th defensively holding foes to 67.9 points a game. The Dons are much worse offensively ranking 281st averaging 69.4 points per game and ranking 306th in field goal percentage at 41.8. San Francisco does not play at a fast tempo and figures to really struggle at this tough venue. The Dons are going to have problems getting any easy baskets with St. Mary's 7-foot star Jock Landale patrolling the middle. The Gaels lead the nation in defensive rebounding. St. Mary's rates 28th-best in the country in defensive scoring holding foes to 65.2 points a game. The Gaels have won 16 in a row. They are going to control tempo here - and that tempo is not going to be fast. The Geals play at an extremely slow and deliberate pace. That pace is perfect when protecting a big lead, which the Gaels should build. |
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02-01-18 | Lightning -113 v. Flames | 7-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 9 m | Show | |
Tampa Bay is the best team in the NHL and has not only revenge motivation for a 5-1 home loss suffered to the Flames on Jan. 11, but also a poor showing coming out of All-Star break with a 3-1 road loss to Winnipeg two days ago. The Lightning went with backup goalie Louis Dominque in that loss to Jets. Now they go from one of the worst backups to maybe the best starting goalie with Andrei Vasilevskiy back in net. Star defenseman Victor Hedman also is back for Tampa Bay. He returned against the Jets after being out five games with a lower-body injury. The Flames have lost their last five games.
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02-01-18 | Bucks v. Wolves -5.5 | 89-108 | Win | 100 | 5 h 30 m | Show | |
Minnesota has won its last 10 home games. The Timberwolves, however, have dropped their last two games, both on the road. So they are in stop-the-pain mode. The Bucks will be minus Eric Bledsoe. Milwaukee is 4-0 since letting Jason Kidd go. However, they've been very fortunate during this span. That 4-0 record is deceiving as they've played three lottery teams and the 76ers minus Joel Embiid. |
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02-01-18 | Grizzlies +8 v. Pistons | 102-104 | Win | 100 | 8 h 55 m | Show | |
There's a buzz in Detroit today with Blake Griffin set to make his Pistons debut. But this buzz can't hide the fact the Pistons are 1-8 in their last nine games, have failed to cover the past five times they've been favored and they no longer have Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley, their two leading scorers. They were traded to the Clippers as part of the deal for Griffin. The Grizzlies have signaled they are in rebuild mode after declaring their intentions to sit out Tyreke Evans until he can be traded. Mike Conley is out for the season. But Memphis still is a strong defensive team - ranking sixth in fewest points allowed per game - and have been playing well covering seven of its last nine games. Memphis opened its current road trip with a four-point road loss to Indiana Wednesday. Now they are nearly getting that many points against the Pistons, who have been much worse than the Pacers. Griffin could make a difference, but there's going to be an adjustment period. Memphis 7-1-1 ATS the past nine times following a loss. The Pistons aren't good enough to cover a spread this high. They are 2-5-1 ATS the eight times this season they've been favorites of six points or more. They are 1-5 in their last six home games and 3-13-1 ATS versus opponents with a winning percentage below .400.
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02-01-18 | Maple Leafs v. Rangers OVER 6 | 4-0 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 10 m | Show | |
Toronto is back on track offensively coming out of All-Star break with five goals against the Islanders last night. The Maples Leafs can take advantage of a leaking Rangers defense that has surrendered 34 goals in their last eight games for an average of 4.2 goals during this span. The Rangers are a top-10 scoring team that will have plenty of energy having last played a week ago. The Rangers went ino All-Star break having beat the Sharks, 6-5, on the road. They are expected to draw Toronto backup goalie Curtis McElhinney.
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02-01-18 | Raptors v. Wizards UNDER 214 | 119-122 | Loss | -105 | 6 h 53 m | Show | |
Take away John Wall and the Wizards become more of a grinder team. They have to with Tomas Satorasnky and Tim Frazier at the point. Those two took advantage of a weak and tired Hawks defense when Washington put up 129 points on Atlanta this past Saturday. But they've lost their surprise element. The Wizards are an above average defense team and they relied on that in beating the Thunder, 102-96, this past Tuesday. The Raptors are familar now with Satoransky and Frazier. The Wizards averaged only 95.5 points per 100 possessions against the Thunder, who were missing their star defender, Andre Roberson. Toronto has a top-10 defense. The Raptors have held four of their last seven foes to fewer than 98 points a game. The Raptors will be hurt offensively by Fred VonVleet, their No. 3 guard, being out. VonVleet had scored 19 and 25 points during two of his last four games.
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01-31-18 | Cal-Irvine v. Long Beach State OVER 147 | 75-68 | Loss | -110 | 20 h 11 m | Show | |
These two teams met earlier this season and UC Irvine won, 86-73. There were 159 points scored in that game despite only 28 free throws being shot. Look for that many to be scored in the rematch as Irvine won't mind running with the 49ers based on their earlier outcome. Long Beach State has scored at least 75 points in five of its last six games. The 49ers, though, rank 324th defensively giving up nearly 80 points per game.
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01-31-18 | Knicks +8.5 v. Celtics | Top | 73-103 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 37 m | Show |
This is Boston's fifth game in nine days and fifth different venue. The Celtics haven't played at home since Jan. 21. So the Celtics' focus could be off and their energy level down. Boston played Golden State extremely tough before losing by four points this past Saturday. The Celtics then edged Denver by one point in the rocky mountain high altitude in another tough game this past Monday. Now they are back on East Coast time drawing a division rival. The Knicks have been playing more respectable on the road covering six of their last 10 away games. Boston is 1-6-1 ATS the past eight times hosting opponents with losing road marks. New York has won two in a row beating the Suns and Nets last night by 16 points. Fatigue shouldn't be a factor for Brooklyn, though. None of the Nets logged more than 32 minutes Tuesday night and the team had been idle the previous three days. The Celtics are shorthanded in the backcourt with Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart both out. |
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01-31-18 | Sharks -105 v. Red Wings | 1-2 | Loss | -105 | 18 h 6 m | Show | |
The Sharks are in stop-the-pain mode going 0-2-1 during their last three games and have the advantage of being less rusty than Detroit. The Red Wings last played six days ago previous to the All-Star break. San Jose played last night and got hammered, 5-2, by the Penguins in Pittsburgh. I expect the superior team, the Sharks with their veterans, to take care of business here with a focus effort. I'm fine with Aaron Dell scheduled to be in net. He has a higher save percentage than Martin Jones, who was in net last night. The Red Wings have lost their last five home games being outscored by 12 goals during this span. San Jose has won in four of its last five trips to Detroit. |
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01-30-18 | Blazers v. Clippers UNDER 219.5 | 104-96 | Win | 100 | 10 h 9 m | Show | |
This is the Clippers' first game without Blake Griffin, their major inside scoring threat and top offensive focal point. The Clippers are going to go through an adjustment period minus Griffin. There is no guarantee that Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley, who the Clippers received as part of the deal for Griffin, will be able to play in this game. If that's the case, the Clippers will be very much short-handed as they also have a number of injuries. The Trail Blazers face a rust factor as they've been idle the past three days. Their defense should be better, though, than it has been with fresh legs and added practice time. |
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01-30-18 | Blazers -135 v. Clippers | 104-96 | Win | 100 | 10 h 8 m | Show | |
Portland is 5-1 in its last six games. The Trail Blazers are playing their best ball of the season, according to point guard Damian Lillard. This spot sets up great, too, for Portland. The Trail Blazers last played on Friday and draw the Clippers in their first game without Blake Griffin. Griffin was traded to the Pistons on Monday. As part of the deal, the Clippers received Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley. It's not a given that Harris and Bradley will be ready to play today. Griffin was the Clippers' second-leading scorer and focal point of their offense. The Clippers lack sufficient scoring inside minus Griffin. The trade has to be a shock for the Clippers. Griffin has been with the team since drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2009. There is going to be a mental and physical adjustment for the Clippers minus Griffin especially in this first game without him. The well-rested Trail Blazers should be able to take full advantage. They have covered the last five times when enjoying three or more days rest.
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01-30-18 | Cavs -5.5 v. Pistons | Top | 114-125 | Loss | -107 | 8 h 36 m | Show |
The Pistons have become one of the worst teams in the NBA since point guard Reggie Jackson suffered an ankle injury. They've gone 3-12 following Jackson's injury and have lost eight in a row. Detroit's latest defeat came to Cleveland, 121-104, as 7 1/2-point road underdogs two days ago. Now look at the spread. It's much lower. Detroit's home-court advantage isn't nearly worth that. The Pistons have lost and failed to cover during their past five games at Little Caesars Arena, losing to three Eastern Conference teams worse than the Cavaliers during this span. Cleveland has now beaten the Pistons in its last three meetings, winning those games by an average of 25.7 points per game. The Cavaliers are playing better with two straight victories. If newly acquired Blake Griffin doesn't play, and he's not expected to play, the Cavaliers will have the four best players on the court. The big news is the Pistons acquired Griffin on Monday. Detroit gave up its two leading scorers, Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley, as part of the cost to get Griffin. Bradley is a premier defensive guard.
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01-30-18 | Thunder v. Wizards OVER 219 | 96-102 | Loss | -115 | 16 h 47 m | Show | |
The teams just met this past Thursday at Oklahoma City and the Thunder beat the Wizards, 121-112. That's a combined 233 points being scored. Andre Roberson is the Thunder's best defensive player. He logged more than 23 minutes in that game. However, Roberson suffered a season ending injury against the Pistons on Saturday. Oklahoma City gave up 112 points to the 76ers on Sunday in its first game without Roberson. The Wizards average 107 points, same as the 76ers. If you discount a flat road performance against the Mavericks, the Wizards are averaging 118 points in their last four games. The Wizards scored 129 points and had excellent ball movement in their last game against the Hawks despite missing John Wall, who is questionable for this game with a sore knee. The Thunder are averaging 122.5 points in their last six games. Russell Westbrook and Paul George have been playing at their superstar levels during this span.
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01-30-18 | Wild v. Blue Jackets -120 | 3-2 | Loss | -120 | 15 h 31 m | Show | |
Two-time Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky looked back in great form stopping 38 shots in Columbus' 2-1 road win at Arizona right before All-Star break. Given Bobrovsky's strong history versus the Wild and Minnesota's poor road mark, the price is right to back the Blue Jackets. Minnesota is 9-14-1 on the road this season. The Wild have lost five of their last six away contests getting outscored, 24-9, in those games. Bobrovsky is 8-2 career-wise versus the Wild with a 1.78 GAA and .936 save percentage. The Wild have played much better at home going 17-4-4. But one of their home defeats was to the Blue Jackets in the team's previous meeting this seaso
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01-29-18 | Celtics v. Nuggets OVER 205.5 | 111-110 | Win | 100 | 5 h 11 m | Show | |
The Celtics play differently on the road against Western Conference opponents. This total doesn't fully reflect that. Boston's last three games - against the Lakers, Clippers and Warriors - have all been on the road. And all three of those games resulted in the combined score being at least 214 or more points. |
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01-29-18 | Nebraska v. Wisconsin -3 | 74-63 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 51 m | Show | |
Wisconsin is in revenge mode and draws Nebraska playing for the fourth time in eight days. The Badgers are way down after losing four senior starters from a year ago, but they still are tough at home where they are 9-3 with a winning spread mark. The Cornhuskers have been overacheiving, but face a heavy fatigue factor in this matchup. Nebraska nipped the Badgers at home, 63-59, on Jan. 9. Wisconson missed 14 of 19 3-point shots in that gamd and only got to the free throw line 10 times missing six free throws. I see a reversal happening here. |
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01-29-18 | Heat -118 v. Mavs | Top | 95-88 | Win | 100 | 19 h 17 m | Show |
The Heat came on strong during the second half of last season and they're displaying signs of repeating that performance winning nine of their last 13. Miami has been strong on the road covering seven of its last nine away matchups. The Heat have covered in five of their past six trips to Dallas. When backing the Heat you can count on good coaching with Erik Spoelstra, a full team effort and strong bench play. The Heat's depth was on display when they met the Mavericks on Dec. 22. Miami won 113-101 despite not having Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic, its two best players. Key reserves James Johnson and Justise Winslow also missed that game. All four players are healthy now. Whiteside should be able to dominate the boards against the Mavericks, who rank last in rebounding margin. The Heat surrender the third-fewest points in the league at 101.3. The Mavericks are averaging 96.7 points during their last four games, failing to reach triple-digits in any of those games. Dallas is just 10-17 at home, 12-15 ATS. The Mavericks have lost six of their last seven overall games, including the past three. They could remain shorthanded in the backcourt with J.J. Barea and Devin Harris each questionable. Monday Free Play Pacers minus 2 1/2 hosting Hornets Victor Oladipo has become the face of the Pacers franchise with a breakout season and well deserved All-Star berth. But 6-foot-11 center Myles Turner is Indiana's second-best player and a huge key. Turner played for the first time in 10 games two days ago. Turner logged just 11 minutes and was noticeably rusty in the Pacers' 114-112 home win against Orlando. Turner should be less rusty here. His presence is going to be huge for the Pacers even if he doesn't score because he provides spacing and open driving lanes for Oladipo, Thaddeus Young, Darren Collison and a hot Lance Stephenson, who plays better at home and is 19-of-34 shooting from the floor in his last four games. Turner can neutralize Dwight Howard on the defensive end, too. Turner ranks second in the NBA in blocked shots per game. The Pacers have become a respectable middle-of-the-road type team at 27-23. The Hornets continue to regress and are unlikely to make the playoffs once again. They are 20-28 and talking about dealing their star guard, Kemba Walker. Charlotte is 6-14 on the road. Only Atlanta has fewer away victories in the Eastern Conference than the Hornets. Charlotte went 0-2 at Indiana last season losing by an average of 18.5 points. The Hornets carry a high fatigue rating in action for the fourth time in six days. This is the first time the teams are meeting this season. Charlotte hosts Indiana on Friday. So the Pacers should have the added urgency of protecting their home floor.
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01-29-18 | Lehigh v. Holy Cross OVER 139 | Top | 71-67 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 17 m | Show |
There were 160 points scored when the teams met earlier this season with Lehigh winning, 83-77. Lehigh averages 76.2 points per game and plays terrible defense. The Mountain Hawks surrender 79.4 points per game, which ranks 319th in the country. So it's no surprise the Over has cashed 69 percent of the time during Lehigh's past 13 Patriot League games. The Over also has won in five of Lehigh's last six road contests. Holy Cross is coming off a season-high 85-point game. |
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01-28-18 | Connecticut v. Temple -6 | 57-85 | Win | 100 | 10 h 51 m | Show | |
Circumstances line up well here for Temple. The Owls played one of their worst games of the season losing 75-42 on the road to eighth-ranked Cincinnati on Tuesday. Connecticut, on the other hand, is coming off a huge upset home win against SMU on Wednesday. The Huskies are 2-6 ATS following a spread cover. The Huskies are in a letdown spot and their concentration is further going to be tested by breaking news that the program is being investigaged by the NCAA. Connecticut remains without second-leading scorer Terry Larrier, who is out with a nose injury.
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01-28-18 | Clippers v. Pelicans -118 | Top | 112-103 | Loss | -118 | 10 h 15 m | Show |
You can find the Pelicans listed in the obituary section rather than the sports pages after they just lost DeMarcus Cousins for the season. Cousins suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in the final seconds of the Pelicans' victory against the Rockets Friday. That was New Orleans' seventh win in its last eight games and fourth straight. Cousins' injury is likely to doom the Pelicans' chances of making the playoffs. But right now the Pelicans are playing their best ball and they will be highly motivated to win this first matchup minus Cousins especially this being a Sunday home game. The Clippers are nothing special. They are just a .500 club with plenty of injuries of their own with Austin Rivers, Patrick Beverley and Danilo Galinari all out. |
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01-27-18 | Nets +11 v. Wolves | 97-111 | Loss | -107 | 8 h 0 m | Show | |
The Timberwolves are a rising power with an impressive 24-9 record against fellow Western Conference opponents. Strangely, though, the Timberwolves struggle versus the lesser Eastern Conference going 7-11 against those teams. The Nets have been huge underdog money-makers all season especially on the road where they have covered 16 of 24 times in that role for 67 percent. When catching four or more points, the Nets are 20-8 on the season for 71 percent. D'Angelo Russell has been back for four games now. He looked the best he has since returning from a knee injury in the Nets' last game. Brooklyn was blasted in that game, however, by the Bucks losing 116-91 last night. Nets coach Kenny Atkinson questioned the effort of his team following that loss. So I expect the Nets to play very hard in this matchup. They are 7-3 ATS the past 10 times when playing without rest. They also had covered six in a row on the road until that loss to the Bucks. The Timberwolves haven't had All-Star guard Jimmy Butler in their last four games. He's a game-time decision for tonight.
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01-27-18 | Tennessee-Martin v. Tennessee Tech -6 | 55-63 | Win | 100 | 11 h 19 m | Show | |
I'm going to fade Tennessee-Martin in this spot. The Skyhawks are playing on the road for the fourth straight time. They also are coming off a huge upset of Jacksonville State from two days ago. The Skyhawks have lost 10 of 13 road games this season. |
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01-27-18 | Rutgers +8.5 v. Penn State | Top | 43-60 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 19 m | Show |
Rutgers is the wrong team to be laying a big number against especially in a monster letdown spot. That's the position Penn State is in today. The Nittany Lions are off their biggest win of the season, stunning 13th-ranked Ohio State on the road, 82-79, this past Thursday night on a long 3-pointer by Tony Carr at the buzzer. Now, less than two days later, the Nittany Lions face the No. 6 ranked defense in the nation. Rutgers is weak offensively. But the Scarlet Knights give up the sixth-fewest points per game in the country and rank 12th in defensive field goal percentage. They have allowed 62.1 points per game during their last six games, which is their season average. Rutgers upset Penn State as an 8-point road 'dog last season and are in great position to repeat.
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01-27-18 | St. John's v. Butler -9 | 45-70 | Win | 100 | 5 h 2 m | Show | |
The buy sign is back on for Butler. The Bulldogs are back on track and surely don't want to be the first Big East team to lose to St. John's this season. They lost at home to St. John's last season so they surely should be ready this time. The Bulldogs have covered 10 of their last 13 lined home games. |
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01-26-18 | 76ers v. Spurs -3.5 | Top | 97-78 | Loss | -104 | 15 h 51 m | Show |
The 76ers beat the Spurs for the first time in six years, 112-106, at home a little more than three weeks ago. I can't see the 76ers sweeping the Spurs by winning in San Antonio, a place they haven't won at since 2004. The prideful Spurs are down Kawhi Leonard, but still have been dominant at AT&T Center going 20-3 SU, 16-6-1 ATS at home this season. They are 15-1 in their last 16 home contsts winning their last six home games by an average of 13.3 points a game. The 76ers have turned the corner. So they are far more of a threat to end their 13-game losing skid at San Antonio than in previous years. But they must prove they have the maturity and discipline to beat what should be a fired-up Spurs club bent on revenge. Gregg Popovich has made sure he has a fresh LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol for this game. Newly-appointed starting point guard Dejounte Murray is in the midst of a break-out type season.The Spurs have a deep bench, too. They aren't just about Leonard.
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01-26-18 | Lakers v. Bulls -4 | 108-103 | Loss | -102 | 15 h 22 m | Show | |
The spot and situation set up for Chicago here. The question is can the Bulls be trusted to cover a margin at home? I believe they are. Since opening 3-20, the Bulls have turned things around going 15-10. Chicago has been one of the hottest ATS teams covering 20 of its past 26 games. The Bulls have won nine of their last 13 home games with the losses during this span occurring to the Warriors, Rockets, Raptors and Trail Blazers in overtime. Chicago has covered 10 of its last 13 at United Center. The Bulls have done the job versus bad teams going 8-0-1 ATS versus sub .500 opponents. The Lakers enter the road fat and happy after a 3-0 homestand with the last victory coming against the Celtics, 108-107, this past Tuesday. LA hasn't been nearly as good on the road going 6-14 away from Staples Center. The Bulls have revenge for a November loss to the Lakers when they weren't playing nearly as well and are coming off an embarrassing 14-point road loss to the 76ers from two nights ago. That was a rare flat game for the Bulls and it occurred following a tough road overtime loss to the Pelicans. The Bulls are back home now, rested and ready.
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01-26-18 | Wagner +3.5 v. St Francis PA | 91-61 | Win | 100 | 8 h 43 m | Show | |
Sources point me to Wagner. The Seahawks have been playing good ball winning five of their last six games They just beat St. Francis, 73-64, eight days ago. Wagner dominated the boards in that game outrebounding St. Francis, 36-23. |
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01-25-18 | Knicks v. Nuggets -4.5 | 118-130 | Win | 100 | 11 h 42 m | Show | |
The Knicks are a horrendous 6-18 SU, 10-14 ATS away from home. The Nuggets are 17-6 at Pepsi Center with a winning point spread mark there. Given the Knicks' high fatigue ranking - fifth game in nine days - and terrible defense, I'm not going to get fancy. I'll just lay the points. New York is giving up an average of 125 points in its last two games. This is the Knicks' sixth straight road game. They have a far more winnable game on Friday against the Suns. Denver has a number of underrated players with Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris and Jamal Murray coming to mind. The Nuggets are well rested, too, having last played on Monday.
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01-25-18 | Blue Jackets -115 v. Coyotes | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 10 h 55 m | Show | |
The price is low enough to fade the Coyotes. I can't see Arizona going into the All-Star break with a three-game win streak. Arizona is just 6-14-3 at home this season. The Coyotes have lost in their last five games to Columbus. Columbus should have plenty of energy playing for only the third time 13 days. The Blue Jackets have back Cam Atkinson, their leading scorer from a year ago.
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01-25-18 | Wizards +5.5 v. Thunder | 112-121 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 23 m | Show | |
The Thunder have been terrible as chalk going 7-13 ATS versus foes with a winning record and 13-27 overall when favored. Washington actually has a worse record than Oklahoma City by just one game and has more All-Stars than the Thunder do. The Wizards should have Otto Porter back and are out for redemption following a horrendous 98-75 loss to Dallas on Monday. So expect a strong effort.
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01-25-18 | SMU -5.5 v. Connecticut | 52-63 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 57 m | Show | |
UConn has failed to cover in 22 of its last 30 home games and I don't like its chances here. SMU have the sixth stingiest defense in the country holding foes to 62 points a game. The combination of the Mustangs' defense and outstanding outside shooting should mean a double-digit victory. UConn just can't concentrate on one SMU player because every Mustang starter averages double figures. The Huskies are down second-leading scorer Terry Larrier. He's out with a fractured sinus wall.
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01-24-18 | Temple +14 v. Cincinnati | 42-75 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 56 m | Show | |
Temple has revenge for a narrow 55-53 loss to Cincinnati earlier this month. The Bearcats won that game with a late basket. So this spread is out of whack especially given Temple's quality defense that gives up less than 69 points a game. I envision another defensive struggle here so this many points should be more than enough for the Owls to cover. The Owls are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games versus the Bearcats.
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01-24-18 | Suns +7.5 v. Pacers | 101-116 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 38 m | Show | |
This point spread is too high considering the situation. The Suns have covered all three game of their current road trip so far and should be motivated for this matchup since the Pacers embarrassed them at home just 10 days ago. Despite that loss, the Suns still have covered 11 of the last 14 in the series, including going 6-1 at Indiana. This is Indiana's first home game following a five-game road swing that concluded with the the Pacers upsetting the Spurs on Sunday night. Myles Turner, the Pacers' best big man, has been out with a right elbow injury and is questionable here. The Pacers are a bit fat and happy being back home following their highly-satisfying victory against San Antonio. The Pacers also have a much more important game on deck when they play the Cavaliers on Friday.
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01-24-18 | Mercer v. East Tennessee State UNDER 134 | Top | 75-84 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 7 m | Show |
The Mercer Bears lost their top scorer, Ria'n Holland, two games ago to a wrist injury. They played their first game without him this past Saturday and lost 70-66 in overtime to NC Greensboro. The Bears scored 55 points in regulation No Mercer player scored more than 11 points in that game. The Bears are really hurting on the offensive end without Holland, who is leading the team in scoring at 19 points a game. The next highest scorer for Mercer averages 10.6 points per game. The Under has cashed 11 of the last 13 times Mercer has lost during its previous game. East Tennessee State ranks in the top-25 in scoring defense and defensive field goal percentage. The Buccaneers have held heir last four opponents to an average of 54.2 points a game.
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01-24-18 | Nebraska +1.5 v. Rutgers | 60-54 | Win | 100 | 8 h 6 m | Show | |
After facing Ohio State and Michigan, Nebraska drops down in class here. The Cornhuskers upset the Wolverines and nearly did the same to the Buckeyes. The Cornhuskers have revenge motivation for a 65-64 loss to Rutgers from last season. Nebraska had defeated the Scarlet Knights five straight times before then. Both teams are improved. But I'm going to ride the Cornhuskers, who are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games. |
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01-23-18 | Celtics -4 v. Lakers | Top | 107-108 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 4 m | Show |
Technically speaking the Celtics haven't won in the United States since Jan. 6. They did beat the 76ers in London. But Boston hasn't won since losing three straight games, all at home. It's the first time Boston has dropped three consecutive games all season. Now the Celtics head West to warm weather and to find their groove. I see that happening here against the Lakers. I have a lot of confidence in Brad Stevens. The Celtics meet the Clippers on Wednesday followed by games at Golden State on Saturday and Denver on Monday. Those will not be easy games. So this is the matchup the Celtics need to win to get out of their funk. The Lakers have been playing better. But this is a lottery team that has backcourt injuries. Lonzo Ball is out with a knee injury and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has missed the past two games with an Achilles injury. That's LA's starting backcourt. The Lakers are 2-8 without Ball, their point guard. Boston has covered 71 percent of its road games this season. Kyrie Irving is back so the Celtics are healthy. Boston rolled past the Lakers, 107-96, in the earlier meeting this season on Nov. 8. The Celtics achieved that 11-point victory despite not having Al Horford and losing Jayson Tatum for the second half because of an ankle injury.
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01-23-18 | Flyers -125 v. Red Wings | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 5 h 23 m | Show | |
I'm going to ride the Flyers, winners of seven of their last eight games and three in a row. Philadelphia is 15-5-1 in its last 21 games. |
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01-23-18 | Oklahoma State v. Texas Tech UNDER 142.5 | 70-75 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 8 m | Show | |
Texas Tech has gone Under in six of its eight home games this season. The Red Raiders rank in the top-five in defensive efficiency and should be playing intense defense after getting blown out at Iowa State this past Saturday. Oklahoma State has tightened up its defense. Both teams rank among the bottom four in the Big 12 in terms of tempo. |
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01-22-18 | Islanders -120 v. Coyotes | 2-3 | Loss | -120 | 16 h 34 m | Show | |
I have to believe the Islanders have too much offense for the Coyotes. The Islanders have the scored the second-most goals in the NHL. New York has scored 23 goals in its past four road games and is a respectable 11-13-1 away from home. The Islanders are off an impressive 7-3 road victory against the Blackhawks. Arizona ranks with Buffalo as the worst team in the NHL. The Coyotes have the most losses in the league, but are coming off a shocking 5-2 road win against the Blues from two days ago. The last time the Coyotes won two in a row was Nov. 20. The Coyotes are 5-14-3 at home and have lost seven of their past nine games. The teams met back in October and the Islanders won, 5-3, at home. It's a bonus if the Islanders were to get back injured defenseman Johnny Boychuk and center Casey Cizikas. They both practiced yesterday. |
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01-22-18 | Suns v. Bucks -4.5 | 105-109 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 19 m | Show | |
First the bad news. Giannis Antetokonumpo isn't going to play. Now the good news, the point spread is greatly reduced because of that and the Bucks still should be able to take care of business against a bottom-feeder they have dominated. Milwaukee has defeated Phoenix five consecutive times, including 113-107 at Phoenix on Nov. 22. The Bucks didn't have Antetokounmpo for that game either. But former Sun Eric Bledsoe and Kris Middleton made up for Antetokonumpo's absence by scoring a combined 70 points. The Bucks will have Malcolm Brogdon back after he missed the Bucks' last game. The Bucks are in stop-the-pain mode going 1-4 in their last five games. Their losses during this time frame have come to teams much better than the Suns - Warriors, Heat twice and 76ers. Phoenix, by contrast, is fat and happy coming off a 108-100 upset road victory against the Nuggets. The Suns had dropped their previous three road matchups by a combined 44 points. Phoenix has failed to cover five of the last six times following a straight-up victory.
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01-22-18 | 76ers v. Grizzlies +3.5 | 101-105 | Win | 100 | 10 h 18 m | Show | |
The 76ers are riding an impressive three-game win streak beating three of the best Eastern Conference teams - the Raptors, Celtics and Bucks. The 76ers host the Bulls on Wednesday. But first is this nonconference matchup against Memphis. The 76ers are talented. They also are young, possibly short-handed in the backcourt with JJ Redick out and Jerryd Bayless questionable due to a sore wrist and excited like the rest of Philadelphia about the Eagles reaching the Super Bowl following Sunday's upset victory against the Vikings. So the 76ers may lack the focus necessary to win a road game against a top-five defensive team. The Grizzlies are under-the-radar. They are 4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS in their last six games. They also are 5-0-1 ATS during their past six home contests and have won six of their last eight at FedEx Forum. Memphis also has dominated this series beating the 76ers nine straight times.
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01-22-18 | Jazz -135 v. Hawks | Top | 90-104 | Loss | -135 | 12 h 20 m | Show |
One of the most difficult schedules in the league and Rudy Gobert missing 26 games has contributed to the Jazz's disappointing 19-27 record. But now Gobert is back and the schdule has lightened up for Utah. The Jazz have won two of their last three while averaging 120 points during this span, their highest three-game offensive span of the season. Utah just played one of its best offensive games of the season in beating the Clippers, 125-113, this past Saturday. I'm seeing a buy sign on Utah - at least against this opponent. The Hawks are 13-32 on the season. That's tied with Sacramento for the worst mark in the league. The Hawks are better at home, but still have lost 13 of 22 games at Philips Arena. The Jazz are 4 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. So this becomes almost a must-win spot for Utah considering the lowly caliber of opponent.
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01-21-18 | Golden Knights -118 v. Hurricanes | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 4 h 9 m | Show | |
The Golden Knights continue to play well, but only have one victory in their last four games to show for it. I believe the Golden Knights are due for a victory here. Las Vegas catches Carolina in its second game back from its mandated bye. The Hurricanes defeated the Red Wings, 3-1, on Saturday with Cam Ward in net. The Golden Knights should have a strong goalie edge with Marc-Andre Fleury confirmed as a starter and Scott Darling likely to be in net for Carolina. Carolina is 2-8 in Darling's last 10 games. The Golden Knights rank third in the NHL in scoring at 3.3 goals per game. Carolina, by contrast, is 23rd in scoring averaging 2.7 goals a game. |